Trichell shines on softball diamond

Posted
Monday, November 5, 2012 6:57 pm

Danny Summers

WOODLAND PARK - Mallorie Trichell was in Las Vegas last weekend with a couple of her Woodland Park softball teammates taking part in a college showcase. Almost as if it were scripted, Trichell stepped into the batter’s box and - on her first swing - launched a towering blast over the fence and into the parking.

“You should have seen the look on the other coaches faces,” said Panthers coach Dale Huntington. “She really got into one.”

Trichell spent most of her time this fall abusing opposing pitchers. The junior led the state leaders in several offensive categories while helping Woodland Park to one of its best seasons in recent memory.

For her efforts, Trichell has been named the Courier View softball athlete of the year.

“I feel as if having the pressure on me makes me a better player and brings out my instincts,” said Trichell, who plays club ball for the Colorado Springs Aqua Sox. “I love batting. I would bat all day.”

Trichell posted staggering numbers as the Panthers enjoyed a 14-7 record and a trip to the Class 4A regionals. Her .571 batting average was second on the team (10th in the state among 4A players). She led all of 4A in home runs (9) and slugging (1.143), RBI’s (41), runs (39).

“She didn’t go down without a fight,” Huntington said of his star player. “She didn’t make it very easy for opposing pitchers.”

Trichell credits her father, Willie, with playing a key role in her success.

“He helps me out so much,” she said. “He spends as much time with me as he can.”

As impressive as Trichell is as a hitter, she is just as passionate about her pitching. She was 4-6 this season with 32 strikeouts and 17 walks in 64 1/3 innings. She plays second base when she’s not pitching.

“I definitely need to work on my pitching and increase my speed,” she said. “I need to be more aggressive.”

Trichell was honored last week by Metro League coaches by being named the co-offensive player of the year. She was also named as the second-team pitcher.

Several other Panthers received awards

Junior catcher Kelee Suggs (.548 batting average, 5 home runs) was named the defensive player of the year and first-team catcher. Senior left fielder Danni Lopez (.631) was also named to the first team.